Minority Ethnic Matters Overview Contents Immigration

9 September 2013 ISSUE 363

Minority Ethnic Matters Overview

MEMO is produced by the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities in partnership with BEMIS - empowering Scotland's ethnic and cultural

Supported by minority communities. It provides an overview of information of interest to minority ethnic communities in Scotland, including parliamentary activity at Holyrood and Westminster, new publications, consultations,

forthcoming conferences and news reports.

Contents Immigration and Asylum Other News Race Relations Bills in Progress Equality Consultations Racism and Religious Hatred Job Opportunities Other Holyrood Events/Conferences/Training Other Westminster Useful Links

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Immigration and Asylum

Holyrood Parliamentary Questions Human Trafficking Roderick Campbell: To ask the Scottish Government what the outcome was of the meeting of the anti-trafficking progress group of 18 July 2013. meeting of the anti- trafficking progress group of 18 July 2013. meeting of the anti-trafficking progress group of 18 July 2013. (S4W-16545) Reply from Kenny MacAskill: The anti-trafficking progress group was established to take forward the eleven actions agreed at the summit held on 18 October 2012. The meeting on 18 July 2013 was to gauge progress made to date and the outcome of the group’s discussions can be viewed on the Scottish Government website via: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/crimes/humantraffick/humantraffick1 http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Adva nce&ReferenceNumbers=S4W-16545&ResultsPerPage=10

Immigration and Asylum Holyrood Parliamentary Questions (continued) Roderick Campbell: To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to hold a further trafficking in human beings summit, and, if so, when. (S4W-16546) Reply from Kenny MacAskill: Following the summit on 18 October 2012 I stated my intention to hold a reconvened summit in early summer 2014. The specific date will be confirmed in due course. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Adva nce&ReferenceNumbers=S4W-16546&ResultsPerPage=10

Roderick Campbell: To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to raise public awareness of human trafficking. (S4W-16547) Reply from Kenny MacAskill: The Human Trafficking Summit hosted by Scottish Ministers on 18 October 2012, identified a range of actions, including the need to improve training and awareness of human trafficking and the signs of potential trafficking amongst public agencies, businesses and the wider public. The Anti-Trafficking Progress Group has been established involving relevant organisations and agencies to take forward the actions from the summit. As part of this work, a new information leaflet entitled Human Trafficking – Reading the Signs, was launched as an awareness-raising initiative on 29 July 2013. The leaflet, which will be distributed throughout businesses and the community, was designed by Police Scotland with input from the Scottish Government and other delivery partners. The launch of this leaflet endorsed the partnership approach we are taking to tackle human trafficking and is proof that we are making significant inroads towards helping to disrupt and stop those individuals who use human beings for profit. The leaflet can be accessed on the Scottish Government’s website via: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/crimes/humantraffick/humantraffickleaf http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Adva nce&ReferenceNumbers=S4W-16547&ResultsPerPage=10

Holyrood Parliamentary Motions S4M-07552 James Dornan: Condemning the Home Office’s Go Home Poster Pilot— That the Parliament strongly condemns the actions of the Home Office in, it considers, trying to intimidate and harass asylum seekers, many of whom have fled their homeland in terror, into going back to their home country; understands that its Brand Street office in Glasgow is part of a pilot scheme in which leaflets and posters with slogans such as "Go Home” are plastered across a room where asylum seekers have to wait to sign on and from which the public is barred; further understands that there is even a poster of an aeroplane with the message "The plane can take you home. We can book the tickets" and another showing a person sleeping on the streets with the message "Is life here hard? Going home is simple"; deplores what it considers this attempt to instil fear and intimidate some of the most vulnerable people in society; urges the UK Border Agency to immediately cease what it considers this abhorrent pilot scheme, which is also taking place in Hounslow, London, and believes that Scotland should have a humane asylum system that recognises the inherent worth of all human beings, regardless of where they used to call home, and supports them in making a life here in Scotland. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Adva nce&ReferenceNumbers=S4M-07552&ResultsPerPage=10

Immigration and Asylum Holyrood Parliamentary Motions (continued) S4M-07587 Jackie Baillie: Condemning the Home Office’s Go Home Campaign— That the Parliament strongly condemns the Home Office’s Go Home van and poster campaign; is pleased that the Advertising Standards Agency is investigating this campaign; does not believe that fear and intimidation is ever an appropriate way of addressing illegal migration; urges the UK Border Agency to immediately cease what it considers this offensive and discriminatory pilot scheme, and believes that, rather than being subjected to intimidation and discrimination, asylum seekers should be supported through the refugee application process and that the UK’s asylum system should always recognise the inherent worth of all human beings, regardless of where they used to call home. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType =Advance&ReferenceNumbers=S4M-07587&ResultsPerPage=10

Westminster Debate Immigration (Detention of Pregnant Women) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130905/debtext/13090 5-0004.htm#13090545000001

Westminster Ministerial Statement Immigration Rules The Minister for Immigration (Mark Harper): My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is today laying before the House a statement of changes in immigration rules as set out below. I will expand the process of genuineness assessments and interviews to tier 1 (general), tier 2 (minister of religion), and tier 5 (temporary worker) applications for entry and leave to remain, and to tier 4 students applying for further leave to remain. I will also be replicating for tier 4 in-country extensions the existing power to refuse applications where the applicant cannot speak English. We will add Barbados to the list of countries whose nationals benefit from different documentary requirements and are exempt from the genuineness test when applying for a tier 4 visa. I am making several small changes to economic routes to make them more attractive and more flexible for businesses. These changes include new provision in tier 1 for artists of exceptional promise, removing the English language requirement for intra-company transferees, making it easier for graduate entrepreneurs to switch into tier 2, and waiving share-ownership restrictions for senior staff earning £152,100 or more. I will also be introducing flexibility for tourists and business visitors to undertake some study where it is incidental to the main purpose of their visit, as well as increasing the permissible activities a business visitor can undertake in the UK. I am retaining the student visitor route for those whose purpose in coming here is for short-term study. The prospective student route is being removed because it is little used and anomalous. I am adding Hong Kong to the list of participating countries and territories on the UK’s youth mobility scheme, further strengthening business, trade and cultural ties between us. I am introducing rules to give effect to the Secretary of State for Defence’s statement to this House of 4 June 2013, which provides for some locally engaged staff, who have been or will be made redundant as a result of our draw down, to relocate to the UK in recognition of the unique contribution they have provided to the UK’s efforts in Afghanistan. The new rules allow eligible applicants, their spouse/partner and their minor

Immigration and Asylum Westminster Ministerial Statement (continued) dependent children to be granted a period of five years’ leave to enter if their character and conduct is satisfactory. In line with the statement of intent “Knowledge of language and life in the UK for settlement and naturalisation” published on 8 April, I am also making changes to the way in which applicants for indefinite leave to remain are required to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language and of life in the UK, together with necessary consequential amendments. These changes will come into effect on 28 October. I am making changes to slow the path to settlement for refugees, and those granted humanitarian protection, who have committed crimes. Applications for settlement from refugees will be refused for 15 years from the date of their sentence if they have been sentenced to over 12 months’ imprisonment; for seven years if they have been sentenced to up to 12 months’ imprisonment; and for two years if they have been given a non-custodial sentence. Discretion to delay the route to settlement will apply in the case of repeat offenders. I am creating new temporary immigration rules to facilitate the entry and stay of certain Commonwealth games participants and personnel during the 2014 Commonwealth games. I am making minor changes and clarifications to the immigration rules, including those relating to family life. I am making minor changes to repeal measures that are no longer required. I am making a minor change to the curtailment rules. This change adds a power to curtail leave where a migrant’s offending is persistent or causes serious harm. The change supports the Home Office in its work to take tough action against those who commit offences while here. I am making changes to the rules for dependants in the points-based system and other work routes, following the High Court judgment in R—(on the application of Zhang) v Secretary of State for the Home Department. The changes will allow dependants to apply from within the UK, providing they are not here illegally, as visitors, or on temporary admission or temporary release. They will still need to satisfy all other existing requirements. I am making changes to the visit visa requirement for Kuwaiti nationals holding diplomatic and special passports issued by Kuwait. When travelling to the UK for the purpose of an official or general visit, they will no longer have to obtain a visit visa to travel to the UK. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130906/wmstext/13090 6m0001.htm#13090628000004

Westminster Parliamentary Questions Immigration Lord Greaves: To ask Her Majesty’s Government when the decision to deploy mobile billboards proclaiming that people who are in the United Kingdom illegally should go home or face arrest was made; when the mobile billboards were ordered; whether their use will be extended into other areas; and for how long they will be deployed.[HL1977] Reply from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The Home Office is improving the visibility of its immigration law enforcement. This pilot has been in development since March 2013. The mobile advertisement boards were formally ordered through a procurement process. Enquiries for the procurement process began on 24 June 2013. This is a pilot scheme, therefore, depending on the success of the pilot, the use of the mobile billboards may be extended into other areas. The mobile billboards were deployed for one week commencing 22 July 2013 and finishing on 28 July.

Immigration and Asylum Westminster Parliamentary Questions (continued) Lord Greaves: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what procedures will be put in operation when a person surrenders to the police as a result of reading a mobile billboard proclaiming that people who are in the United Kingdom illegally should go home or face arrest; and in particular whether they will be immediately taken into custody.[HL1978] Reply from Lord Taylor of Holbeach: It is hoped that those who read the message on the mobile billboards will take the suggested advice to text the Home Office to arrange their voluntary departure. Home Office immigration enforcement works closely with the Metropolitan Police Service and has a number of immigration officers embedded in police custody suites under the Operation Nexus campaign. In cases where individuals are seeking to depart voluntarily, they are referred back to immigration enforcement to assist. Any decision to arrest will be based on individual cases, based on the threat posed by the individual. It is unlikely that the individual will be taken into custody if they choose to depart voluntarily. Lord Greaves: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what approval procedures took place under the coalition agreement, and at what level, before the decision was made to deploy mobile billboards proclaiming that people who are in the United Kingdom illegally should go home or face arrest.[HL1979] Reply from Lord Taylor of Holbeach: An operational tactic to deploy mobile billboards as part of a campaign to improve awareness of Immigration Enforcement activity and encourage voluntary departures was presented to the Immigration Minister, Mark Harper MP. On the basis that this was a pilot within the clear sole responsibility of the Home Office, cross Government agreement was not necessary. Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government at the request of which Government Department was the “Go home or face arrest” billboard campaign prepared and displayed.[HL1986] Reply from Lord Taylor of Holbeach: An operational tactic to deploy mobile billboards as part of a campaign to improve awareness of Immigration Enforcement activity and encourage voluntary departures was presented to the Immigration Minister, Mark Harper MP. On the basis that this was a pilot within the sole responsibility of the Home Office, cross Government agreement was not necessary. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/130829w0002.htm#130 8131000968

British Nationality Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances an individual who holds a permanently unspent criminal conviction is allowed to become a British citizen. [166878] Reply from Mark Harper: When considering applications for British citizenship, criminal convictions form part of the assessment of whether a person is of 'good character'. Prior to 13 December 2012, these were considered in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Generally, where a conviction was unspent, the application was refused. For applications made on or after 13 December 2012, the requirements were amended to reflect the exemption of certain immigration and nationality decisions from section 4 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Now they are considered in line with the table outlined as follows. Sentence Impact on citizenship application four years or more imprisonment. Refused regardless of when the conviction occurred. Between 12 months and four years imprisonment Refused, unless 15 years have

Immigration and Asylum Westminster Parliamentary Questions (continued) passed since the end of the sentence. Up to 12 months imprisonment Refused, unless seven years have passed since the end of the sentence. Non custodial sentence Refused if the conviction occurred within the last three years. This represents a tightening of the requirements where a person has been sentenced to a period of imprisonment. We have also reduced the amount of discretion open to caseworkers to grant in spite of a conviction. However, in exceptional circumstances citizenship may be granted where the application would normally be refused. In particular, where a person has been convicted of an offence which is not recognised as such in the UK (eg proselytising, homosexuality).

Sentence Impact on citizenship application Refused regardless of when the 4 years or more imprisonment conviction occurred Between 12 months and 4 years Refused, unless 15 years have passed imprisonment since the end of the sentence Up to 12 months imprisonment Sentence Refused if the conviction occurred Non custodial sentence within the last 3 years http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130902/text/130902w0 001.htm#1309034000006

Immigration Lord Laird: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many immigrants were recorded as arriving in the United Kingdom in 2012; how many foreign nationals registered for national insurance numbers in 2012; and of those, in both instances, how many were Romanians.[HL2067] Reply from Baroness Stowell of Beeston: Letter from Glen Watson, Director General for Office for National Statistics, to Lord Laird, dated August 2013. … The Office for National Statistics produces estimates of long-term international migration, primarily based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The latest available figures, based on the IPS, are for the period January 2011 to December 2011. The estimate of the number of immigrants arriving in the UK was 531,000, with a confidence interval of +/- 28,000. The estimate of the number of Romanian citizens arriving in the UK in this period was 8,000 with a confidence interval of +/- 3,000. Immigration figures for 2012 will be available on 28th November 2013. The information requested for the number of foreign nationals registered for national insurance numbers is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-insurance-number- allocations-to-adult-overseas-nationals-entering-the-uk … http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/130829w0003.htm#130 8195000207

Immigration Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department put in place to control immigration from other EU member states in (a) 2005, (b) 2010 and (c) 2012. [166151] Reply from Mark Harper: The rights of European Union nationals to live and

Immigration and Asylum Westminster Parliamentary Questions (continued) work in other member states, and to be accompanied by their family members who do not hold a European Union nationality, are set out in the 2004 Free Movement Directive (2004/38/EC) by which the UK is bound. The directive was implemented in the UK through the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006. Free movement rights are not unconditional: after three months, those exercising rights must prove that they are a worker, student, self-employed or self-sufficient, such that they do not burden social welfare systems. The Home Office has strict checks in place to ensure that EU nationals who apply for registration documentation meet the requirements set out in the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006. EU nationals who do not meet one of these requirements will not have a right to reside in the UK. The Inter-Ministerial Group on Migrants' Access to Benefits and Public Services aims to ensure the UK's offer to legal migrants on benefits and services is fair but does not act as an inappropriate incentive to migrate and that rules preventing illegal migrant access are effectively enforced. The Government does not tolerate abuse of free movement. The Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has consistently raised her concerns about fraud and abuse of free movement at the Justice and Home Affairs Council, and we are working to curb such abuse both domestically, and together with our European partners. The Government is also examining the scope and consequences of the free movement of people across the EU as part of the Review of Balance of Competences. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130829/text/130829w0 001.htm#13082926000026

Immigrants: English Language Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will exempt South Africans who speak English as a first language from the English language element of the Life in the UK test for applicants for indefinite leave to remain on the same basis as applicants from Canada and New Zealand. [167275] Reply from Mark Harper: It is important that people settling in the UK can speak English and have an understanding of British history, culture and values. From 28 October, applicants for indefinite leave to remain will be required to obtain an intermediate level English speaking and listening qualification, as well as passing the Life in the UK test. Although English is one of the 11 official languages of South Africa, it is not the first language of the majority of the population and South Africans are not therefore exempted from the requirement to obtain a speaking and listening qualification. There are no nationality based exemptions from the Life in the UK test. The Government does not intend to change this position. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130905/text/130905w0 002.htm#13090558000070

Entry Clearances: Married People Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will amend regulations to take into account contracts guaranteeing future income of returning UK citizens in spousal visa applications where overseas income has been insufficient to meet the new income threshold. [165845] Reply from Mark Harper: The family Immigration Rules allow a British Citizen returning to the UK to rely on a confirmed job offer or signed contract of

Immigration and Asylum Westminster Parliamentary Questions (continued) employment here in sponsoring their spouse’s visa application, where the sponsor can evidence that they have been earning overseas the level of income concerned. We have no current plans to change this requirement. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment she has made of the likely effect of the new income threshold for spousal visas on UK citizens studying abroad who marry overseas’ citizens. [165846] Reply from Mark Harper: A British Citizen studying overseas who does not have the income or savings required to sponsor their spouse to come to the UK under the family Immigration Rules may return to work in the UK. Once they have been earning the required level of income for six months with the same employer, they may be able to sponsor their spouse to join them here. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130829/text/130829w0 001.htm#13082926000020

Immigration: Married People Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many spousal visas were granted in each year since 2008. [165663] Reply from Mark Harper: The latest published figures for partner visas issued under the family route are given in the following table: Entry clearance visas issued to those entering as partners1 through the Family route, 2008 to 2012 Visas issued 2008 45,099 2009 39,556 2010 40,466 2011 34,832 2012 31,541 Notes: 1. Includes visas issued for a probationary period and for immediate settlement. From July 2012, it also includes ‘post flight’ partners joining those who have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection but who have yet to apply for or be granted settlement. 2. It is not possible from the published statistics to distinguish between those granted visas under the old family rules and those granted visas under new family rules implemented since 9 July 2012. Source: Table be_04. Immigration Statistics, January to March 2013 The latest Home Office immigration statistics, including those for entry clearance visas, are published in the release Immigration Statistics January to March 2013, which is available from the Library of the House and on the Department's website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/series/immigration- statistics-quarterly-release Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations about the ending of a relationship with someone who has permission to enter or remain in the UK as a partner of a British citizen her Department received in each year from 2008 to date. [165722] Reply from Mark Harper: A complete set of data of all types of representations regarding the ending of relationships between British citizens and their partners with limited leave to enter or remain is not held centrally. The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130829/text/130829w0 001.htm#13082926000027

Asylum Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many failed asylum seekers are still in the UK. [166208]

Immigration and Asylum Westminster Parliamentary Questions (continued) Reply from Mark Harper: The asylum work in progress (WIP) number is published on an annual basis, providing a breakdown of the status of these cases. This includes figures on the number of main applicants whose cases are subject to removal action (i.e. failed asylum seekers). At the end of June 2012, a total of 23,497 (1,2) cases in the WIP were subject to removal action. A copy of the full publication can be found at: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/further-key- data/ (1) The figure quoted has been derived from management information and is therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. (2) While some cases in the “subject to removal action” category await imminent removal, for many there will be significant barriers to removals which we are still working to overcome. Such barriers include difficulties in obtaining documents from national governments; dealing with last minute legal challenges; and logistical and practical challenges in removing families in a humane and dignified fashion. The asylum work in progress publication will be updated at the beginning of September 2013, providing figures on the WIP as at the end of June 2013. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130829/text/130829w0 001.htm#13082926000010

Asylum Seekers Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government , further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 10 July (WA 44-5), what evidence they have, and from which sources, that allowing asylum seekers to apply for jobs which do not appear on the shortage occupation list would act as a pull factor for economic migrants.[HL1862] Reply from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The Government’s primary objective is to protect the UK’s resident labour market by avoiding circumvention of strict controls on the terms of access to work applied to all migrants from outside the EU. The publications Skilled, Shortage, Sensible (February 2013) and Analysis of the Impacts of Migration (January 2013) by the Migration Advisory Committee assess what labour market access it is sensible for non-EU migrants to have; and the displacement effect of migration on the resident labour market. Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty’s Government , further to the answer by Earl Attlee on 20 May (HL Deb, col 625), how they define those not in need of protection claiming asylum for economic reasons.[HL2084] Reply from Lord Taylor of Holbeach: All asylum applications made in the UK, including those which may be motivated wholly or in part by economic factors, will be considered in accordance with our international obligations. If the individual is found to be in need of protection as a refugee the distinction is irrelevant, but it is vital to the integrity of the asylum process that asylum is not perceived as a way of by-passing the regulation of the employment of overseas nationals in the UK. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/130829w0003.htm#130 8295000209

Immigration: Children Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how the Home Office ascertains and takes into account the wishes and feelings of children before making decisions to hold parents in immigration detention, continue their detention, or deport or forcibly remove them; and how the Home Office's duties to safeguard children and

Immigration and Asylum Westminster Parliamentary Questions (continued) promote their welfare under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 are implemented in such situations.[HL1633] Reply from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): Where detention of an immigration offender, or continued detention in the case of a criminal who is already separated from his family by virtue of the custodial sentence passed by the courts, will affect a pre-existing family unit it is our practice to ensure that safeguarding child welfare issues are taken into account, and weighed against the need to detain and implement deportation or removal. In such cases close attention is given to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, and Article 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The aims of both these are supported by paragraphs 396 to 400 of the Immigration Rules. These changes were introduced on 9 July 2012 so as to deliver in individual cases where a parent is liable to deportation outcomes that are compatible with the two conventions mentioned and with Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009. In all such cases we are open to discovering the views of the children concerned. This is done principally through the parents and others who are in close contact with the children and are trusted by them. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/130829w0002.htm#130 8131000969

Children: Detention Centres Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will investigate the child protection issues raised by the detention of children in adult immigration removal centres. [166073] Reply from Mark Harper: It is Home Office policy not to detain under 18s in adult immigration removal centres other than in the specific event of their having been stopped at the border as part of a family group because enquiries are necessary as to whether the family can be safely admitted or, if not, pending a flight home. In these circumstances, families stay together in accommodation specially designed for families and separate from the other detainees. There are occasions when evidence emerges to indicate that a person who has been detained in other circumstances and as an adult is under 18. In those circumstances, the individual will be released from detention as soon as the local authority can make appropriate arrangements for them in the community. If the case meets the criteria for an age dispute case as set out in the following published criteria, the individual will be the subject of a formal local authority age assessment and will be treated as under 18 pending the outcome of the assessment. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/policyandlaw/detention -services-orders/age-dispute.pdf?view=Binary http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130829/text/130829w0 001.htm#13082926000013

Asylum Seekers Lord Roberts of Llandudno: to ask Her Majesty’s Government , further to the Written Answer by Lord Taylor of Holbeach on 10 July (WA 44-5), what evidence they have, and from which sources, that allowing asylum seekers to apply for jobs which do not appear on the shortage occupation list would act as a pull factor for economic migrants.[HL1862] Reply from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): The Government’s primary objective is to protect the UK’s resident labour market by avoiding circumvention of strict controls on the terms of access to work applied to all migrants from outside the EU. The

Immigration and Asylum Westminster Parliamentary Questions (continued) publications Skilled, Shortage, Sensible (February 2013) and Analysis of the Impacts of Migration (January 2013) by the Migration Advisory Committee assess what labour market access it is sensible for non-EU migrants to have; and the displacement effect of migration on the resident labour market. Lord Roberts of Llandudno: to ask Her Majesty’s Government , further to the answer by Earl Attlee on 20 May (HL Deb, col 625), how they define those not in need of protection claiming asylum for economic reasons.[HL2084] Reply from Lord Taylor of Holbeach: All asylum applications made in the UK, including those which may be motivated wholly or in part by economic factors, will be considered in accordance with our international obligations. If the individual is found to be in need of protection as a refugee the distinction is irrelevant, but it is vital to the integrity of the asylum process that asylum is not perceived as a way of by-passing the regulation of the employment of overseas nationals in the UK. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldtoday/writtens/270813.htm#hdg- AsylumSeekers

Press Releases Immigration continues to fall https://www.gov.uk/government/news/immigration-continues-to-fall

Changes to the Immigration Rules – October 2013 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/september/08-rules

Plans for doctors’ language checks published https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plans-for-doctors-language-checks-published

New Publications Home Office immigration statistics: user guide https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/232217/us er-guide-immig-statistics.pdf

Immigration statistics, April to June 2013 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-april-to-june- 2013/immigration-statistics-april-to-june-2013

Monthly asylum application tables https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/232175/as ylum-jun2013.ods

Children entering detention under Immigration Act powers https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/232177/chi ldren-detention-jul2013.ods

Extensions of stay by previous category https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/extensions-of-stay-by-previous- category/extensions-of-stay-by-previous-category

Immigration and Asylum New Publications (continued) A Strategic Assessment on the Nature and Scale of Human Trafficking in 2012 http://www.soca.gov.uk/about-soca/library/doc_download/534-ukhtc-strategic- assessment-on-human-trafficking-2012

News David Cameron: Curb migrants' benefits http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/david-cameron-curb-migrants-benefits- 8801668.html

UK immigration: what if it stopped tomorrow? http://www.theguardian.com/politics/reality-check/2013/sep/02/immigration-benefits- tomorrow-stopped-lord-ashcroft

May vows to bring in tougher slavery sanctions http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/may-vows-to-bring-in-tougher- slavery-sanctions.21955125

1 in 6 believe immigration has benefited Britain http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10278665/1-in-6-believe- immigration-has-benefited-Britain.html

Voters say immigration hurts UK http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/public/article1308078.ece

Net migration to UK increases - Office for National Statistics http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23878689

Figures show rise in labour migration from crisis-hit eurozone nations http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/aug/29/rise-labour-migration-from-eurozone

Immigration surge driven by eurozone crisis http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10275296/Immigration-surge- driven-by-eurozone-crisis.html

Asylum appeals fuel ‘growth industry’ as judicial reviews soar by 86% in six years http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/law/article3863092.ece

Number of foreign nationals on benefits soars to 400,000 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10271855/Number-of-foreign- nationals-on-benefits-soars-to-400000.html

Asylum seekers and refugees give new vision of Glasgow in art project http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/asylum-seekers-refugees-give-new-2236077

UK Border Agency posters branded 'racist' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-23897533

'Offensive' immigrant campaign under fire http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/offensive-immigrant-campaign-under- fire.22009436

Immigration and Asylum News (continued) Row over ‘Go Home’ messages for asylum seekers http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/row-over-go-home-messages-for- asylum-seekers-1-3066915

Call to end city poster campaign on asylum seekers http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/call-to-end-city-poster-campaign-on- asylum-seekers.22009147

MSPs back motion criticising 'Go Home' campaign http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/msps-back-motion-criticising-go-home- campaign.22035450

Scottish Politicians Attack 'Shameful' Immigration Posters http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/08/30/scotland-immigration- poster_n_3844810.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

New 'going home' immigration posters shameful, say Scottish politicians http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/aug/30/going-home-immigration-posters-shameful

Scottish politicians attack ‘going home’ immigration posters as ‘shameful’ http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/scottish-politicians-attack-going- home-immigration-posters-as-shameful-8791917.html

Immigrants are essential for Britain's older generation http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/sep/01/immigrants-essential-older-generation

Census 2011: Quarter of native Polish speakers lack good command of English http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/immigration/10276928/Census-2011-Quarter- of-native-Polish-speakers-lack-good-command-of-English.html

Turkish English teacher refused UK entry over grasp of language http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/turkish-english-teacher-refused-uk- entry-over-grasp-of-language.22039880

Language row teacher wins battle over visa http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/language-row-teacher-wins-battle-over- visa.22068279

English teacher's case highlights parallel reality of Border Agency http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/english-teachers-case-highlights- parallel-reality-of-border-agency.22089683

Agency workers not being paid equally, TUC says http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23920631

Foreign students' input gets top marks http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/education/foreign-students-input-gets-top-marks.22035671

'Go home' vans blamed for attack http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/go-home-vans-blamed-for-attack.22055330

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Race Relations

Holyrood Parliamentary Motion S4M-07533 Lewis Macdonald: Aberdeen Muslims Celebrate Eid in the Garden— That the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen Muslims on the success of its inaugural Eid in the Garden event, held in Union Terrace Gardens on 25 August 2013; welcomes the efforts of Aberdeen Muslims to use such events to build relationships with the wider community in Aberdeen and the north east alongside its other community and volunteering activities; understands that the Eid in the Garden event, sponsored by Aberdeen’s three mosques, was well attended throughout the day, and hopes that the success of what it considers such an important cultural event in Union Terrace Gardens will encourage other groups in the city to make similar use of this unique space. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Adva nce&ReferenceNumbers=S4M-07533&ResultsPerPage=10

Press Release United in Britishness https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/united-in-britishness

New Publication What does it mean to be British and Muslim? (podcast) https://soundcloud.com/runnymedetrust-1/the-new-muslims-media

News We must invest in the currency of kindness towards our immigrants http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/agenda-we-must-invest-in-the- currency-of-kindness-towards-our-immigrants.21977735 TOP

Equality Holyrood Debate Where Gypsy Travellers Live http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=8467&mode=htm l#iob_76748

News Favour ethnic minority recruits, Labour tells police http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/favour-ethnic-minority-recruits-labour-tells- police-8803468.html TOP

Racism and Religious Hatred Westminster Parliamentary Question Xenophobia and Racism Baroness Quin: To ask Her Majesty’s Government why they have decided to opt out permanently from the European Union’s Justice and Home Affairs measure on xenophobia and racism. [HL1958] Reply from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Taylor of Holbeach): On 23 July 2013, the House of Lords agreed a Government motion that the UK should opt out of all European Union police and criminal justice measures adopted before December 2009 and endorsed Command Paper 8671, which sets out those 35 measures the Government believes it is in the national interest to rejoin. Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law is not included in this set of measures. However, the final list of measures the UK will formally seek to rejoin is subject to negotiation with other Member States and the EU Institutions. The UK already has strong laws in place to combat and punish racism and xenophobia. In the Home Secretary's view, it should, in general, be for the UK Parliament and courts to set and interpret matters of substantive criminal law, and not for the European Court of Justice. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldtoday/writtens/020913.htm#hdg- XenophobiaandRacism

News Mosques tighten their security as attacks follow the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/01/lee-rigby-braintree-mosque-harlow

More than 160 arrested in EDL march clashes http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/more-than-160-arrested-in-edl-march- clashes-8803110.html

EDL leader arrested as thousands protest against march http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/sep/08/edl-leader-arrested TOP

Other Holyrood Parliamentary Motion S4M-07609 John Finnie: 60th Anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights—That the Parliament celebrates the 60th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights, which came into force on 3 September 1953; considers it one of the most fundamental international treaties for protecting rights and freedoms; understands that it helped establish the European Court of Human Rights, which enables people and states to challenge convention rights violations, and encourages everyone in Europe to look to the anniversary as an opportunity to remember what it considers the progress and efforts that have been made to encourage European cooperation over the last 60 years in order to promote Europe’s values and the rights of people. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Adva nce&ReferenceNumbers=S4M-07609&ResultsPerPage=10

Other Holyrood (continued) Press Releases First Minister appears before Committee Conveners http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/newsandmediacentre/67040.aspx

'The People's Constitution' http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/-The-People-s-Constitution-36e.aspx

Scottish Household Survey http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Scottish-Household-Survey-372.aspx

New Publication Empowering Scotland: the Government's Programme for Scotland 2013-14 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00433229.pdf

Scotland’s People 2012 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00432248.pdf

News Alex Salmond outlines SNP government plans for year ahead http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-23931772

At-a-glance: Scottish legislative programme 2013/14 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-23951293 TOP

Other Westminster Press Releases Scottish independence: Michael Moore speech on the referendum https://www.gov.uk/government/news/scottish-independence-michael-moore-speech-on- the-referendum

Rosh Hashanah 2013: message from the Prime Minister https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rosh-hashanah-2013-message-from-the-prime-minister

Rosh Hashanah 2013: message from the Deputy Prime Minister https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rosh-hashanah-2013-message-from-the-deputy- prime-minister

Foreign Secretary's Rosh Hashanah message https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretarys-rosh-hashanah-message--3

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Other News ‘Sharia and English law can work together’ http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/law/article3860660.ece

3,000 Scots at risk of genital circumcision http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/scotland/article1311079.ece

Dentist struck off for offering female mutilation http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Society/article1310806.ece

First female genital mutilation prosecution 'close', says CPS http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23982767

Minority election: could black voters swing it in UK in 2015? http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/sep/04/minority-election-black-voters-swing-uk-2015

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Bills in Progress ** new or updated this week Holyrood Children and Young People Bill http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/62233.aspx

** Criminal Justice Bill http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/65155.aspx

Scottish Parliament Information Centre Briefing http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefingsAndFactsheets/S4/SB_13-55.pdf

** Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/64983.aspx

Scottish Parliament Information Centre briefing http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefingsAndFactsheets/S4/SB_13-51.pdf

Stage 1 evidence from Stonewall Scotland, LGBT Youth Scotland, The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Equality Network, Scottish Transgender Alliance, Muslim Council of Scotland, The Methodist Church in Scotland, The Methodist Church in Britain, Bishops' Conference of Scotland, Evangelical Alliance Scotland http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=8469&mode=pdf

** Scottish Independence Referendum Bill http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/61076.aspx

Stage 1 Report http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_ReferendumScotlandBillCommittee/rsb-13-02w.pdf

Victims and Witnesses Bill http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/Bills/59133.aspx

Bills in Progress (continued) Westminster Asylum Seekers (Return to Nearest Safe Country) Bill http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/asylumseekersreturntonearestsafecountry.html

Charitable Status for Religious Institutions Bill http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/charitablestatusforreligiousinstitutions.html

Collection of Nationality Data Bill http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/collectionofnationalitydata.html

Face Coverings (Prohibition) Bill http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/facecoveringsprohibition.html

Illegal Immigrants (Criminal Sanctions) Bill http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/illegalimmigrantscriminalsanctions.html

Immigration Act 1971 (Amendment) Bill http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/immigrationact1971amendment.html

Lobbyists (Registration of Code of Conduct) Bill http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013-14/lobbyistsregistrationofcodeofconduct.html

Romanian and Bulgarian Accession (Labour Restriction) Bill http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2013- 14/romanianandbulgarianaccessionlabourrestriction.html TOP

Consultations ** new or updated this week Counter-terrorism (closing date 30 September 2013) http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/home- affairs-committee/news/130723-counter-terrorism-new-inquiry/

Inquiry on Race and Higher Education (closing date 31 October 2013) http://www.runnymedetrust.org/news/492/272/APPG-Inquiry-on-Race-and-Higher-Education.html

Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) (closing date 4 November 2013) Draft SORP http://www.charitysorp.org/media/513587/charity-sorp-exposure-draft.pdf Consultation document http://www.charitysorp.org/media/513666/charity-sorp-invitation-to-comment.pdf

** Language Controls for Doctors - Proposed Changes to the Medical Act 1983 (closing date 2 December 2013) https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/237302/lan guage_controls_doctors_consultation.pdf

Consultations (continued) Tried and Trusted? The Role of NGOs in Asylum Seeker and Irregular Migrant Voluntary Return (no closing date given) https://www.isurvey.soton.ac.uk/7654 TOP

Job Opportunities Click here to find out about job opportunities TOP

Events/Conferences/Training ** new or updated this week ** "Domestic Abuse and Minority Ethnic Women, Children & Young People" 26 (9.30-4.30pm) & 27 (9.30-12.30pm) September 2013 in Edinburgh 17 (9.30-4.30pm) & 18 (9.30-12.30pm) October 2013 in Edinburgh 28 (9.30-4.30pm) & 29 (9.30-12.30pm) November 2013 in Edinburgh Shakti training to raise awareness and understanding of issues facing Minority Ethnic women, children & young people affected by domestic abuse. For information see http://tinyurl.com/owhjag2 or contact Ola, Mridu, or Lisa 0131 475 2399 / [email protected]

An introduction to working with asylum seekers and refugees 3 October 2013 in Glasgow (9.15 – 4.30) 8 November 2013 in Glasgow (9.15 – 4.30) Scottish Refugee Council training to identify fundamental issues facing asylum seekers and refugees today, and highlighting current legislation and entitlements. Reduced fees available for small voluntary organisations. For information see http://tinyurl.com/burro73 or contact 0141 248 9799 / [email protected]

Working with interpreters 22 October 2013 in Glasgow (9.15 – 1.00) Scottish Refugee Council course for those who work with non-English speaking service users, including asylum seekers and refugees, who need a comprehensive understanding of how to work with interpreters. Reduced fees available for small voluntary organisations. For information see http://tinyurl.com/9fs8ae5 or contact 0141 248 9799 / [email protected].

Mental Health and Ethnicity 30 October 2013 in Glasgow (9.30 – 4.00) West of Scotland Health and Ethnicity Conference to present an evidence based approach to influence the development of a healthier minority ethnic community in Scotland. Deadline for submissions: 31 July 2013. For information contact Sidra Shirjeel [email protected] or see http://tinyurl.com/bmvj354

Events/Conferences/Training (continued) ** Discrimination Law in 2013 – Trick or Treat? 31 October 2013 in Edinburgh Scottish Discrimination Law Association conference in partnership with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, covering the year’s key developments in discrimination law. Reduced rates may be available for voluntary organisations. For information contact Angela Barclay [email protected] / 0141 228 5951. TOP

Useful Links Scottish Parliament http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/home.htm

Scottish Government http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Home

Westminster Parliament http://www.parliament.uk/

Directgov (links to UK Government Departments) http://www.direct.gov.uk/Dl1/Directories/AToZOfCentralGovernment/fs/en?CONTENT_ID =10013528&chk=8b2gQw

European Parliament http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/

One Scotland Many Cultures http://www.scotlandagainstracism.com/

Scottish Refugee Council www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk

Scottish Inter Faith Council http://www.scottishinterfaithcouncil.org/

Equality and Human Rights Commission http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/

Equality Advisory Support Service http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

Scottish Human Rights Commission http://scottishhumanrights.com/

ACAS www.acas.org.uk

SCVO http://www.scvo.org.uk/scvo/Home/Home.aspx

Volunteer Development Scotland www.vds.org.uk

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) http://www.oscr.org.uk/

Central Registered Body for Scotland (CRBS) http://www.crbs.org.uk/

Disclosure Scotland http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk/

BBC News24 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/default.stm

BBC Parliament online http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/bbc_parliament/default.stm TOP

The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC) is the representative body of all the Jewish communities in Scotland. It advances public understanding about the Jewish religion, culture and community, and also works in partnership with other organisations to promote good relations and understanding among community groups and to promote equality. (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC029438) http://www.scojec.org/

BEMIS is the Scottish national Ethnic Minorities led umbrella body, supporting,

empowering, and building the capacity of minority third sector community organisations. As a strategic partner with Government, it is proactive in influencing the development of race equality policy in Scotland, and helps develop and progress multicultural Scotland, active citizenship, democracy, and

Human Rights Education at the Scottish, UK, and European levels. http://www.bemis.org.uk/index.html

The Scottish Government is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and social justice for all those who live in Scotland. One Scotland is the Scottish Government campaign designed to tackle racism. It aims to raise awareness of racist attitudes, highlight its negative impact and recognise the valuable contributions that other cultures have made to our society – and make Scotland no place for racism. http://www.scotlandagainstracism.com/

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